Parliamentarian Assault by Security Force in Juba
By John Akoon Dau
The member of council of states representing Eastern Equatoria State, assault, stripped naked, and led to the sector for detention by security forces in Hai Referendum sector.
OKello Odongtoo Lawiri, member of National legislature in upper house who represent Eastern Equatoria State in the Council of State made a press release statement on 11th July, 2023 saying that he was violently attacked , humiliated , beaten naked and dragged to the sector and detained by the security forces on the basis of possessing US dollars.
‘’ The CID and the military intelligent agencies broke my identification card and ordered that I should be beaten up properly after they learned that I was a member of parliament claiming that “the parliament have been sitting on their budgets” this however , increased the aggression and vented their anger and frustrations on me.” Lawiri said.
He added that the securities forces searched his car and order him to surrender everything he possessed including money which he pronounced as a violation of his right and constitution of the country. The Lawmaker articulated that there is some serious continuous harassment by the security organs and the traffic police on the roads to the parliament.
“As an MP I have immunity covered by the constitution and the parliamentary conduct of business regulations which should be respected by the law enforcement agencies. In case of any misunderstanding or misconduct from me, there are always channels of communication and avenues of accountabilities since no one is above the law.” Lawiri added.
The constitution of South Sudan, on immunity of members of the National legislature immunity of legislators, says there is no criminal proceedings shall be initiated against a member of the National Legislative Assembly or the council of state; nor shall any measures be taken against his/her personal belongings without permission from the Speaker of the appropriate house.
